Travel cycle for a combination washer and dryer appliance

ABSTRACT

A laundry appliance and a method of operating the same are provided. In one aspect, the laundry appliance includes a laundry basket rotatably mounted within a tub that defines a chamber that is in fluid communication with a conditioning system of the laundry appliance that circulates heated air through the chamber. A controller is configured to receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle and implement a responsive action to prepare the laundry appliance for travel. The responsive action may be the automated adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the laundry appliance, such as performing a load sensing procedure, rinsing and/or drying the chamber, closing the water supply valves, etc. In addition, the responsive action may include providing a user instruction to prepare the laundry appliance, e.g., by cleaning the lint filter, emptying the condensate collection tank, removing hoses and cables, addressing any error codes, etc.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to combination washer anddryer appliances, or more specifically, to systems and methods forpreparing a combination washer and condenser dryer appliance formovement or travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laundry appliances are commonly installed in fixed locations, e.g., in alaundry room, where they are securely grounded during operation. Thesestable locations provide for safe operation of the appliances and theirmany moving parts. For example, combination washer/dryer appliances aredesigned to absorb or handle moderate forces associated with themovement of such components during normal operation while the dryerappliance is stable and stationary. However, laundry appliances mayperiodically need to be moved or transported from one location toanother. For example, these appliances may be transferred betweenproperties when the consumer moves between homes. In mobile applianceinstallations, such as in recreational vehicles, movement or transportof these laundry appliances is particularly frequent.

Notably, such appliance transport may cause damage to the appliance, thetransport vehicle, the installation area, and/or external objects ifpreventative measures are not taken. For example, moving internalcomponents of the appliance may experience forces not associated withnormal operation, resulting in the potential for excessive wear andpremature failure of appliance components. In addition, fluids in theappliance can leak, doors may swing freely, and mold or mildew may formif the tub is not properly drained and dried prior to transport.

Accordingly, a laundry appliance with features for improved transportwould be desirable. More specifically, a combination washer andcondenser dryer appliance with automated methods for working with a userto facilitate appliance movement with minimal wear or damage would beparticularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the followingdescription, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learnedthrough practice of the invention.

In one exemplary embodiment, a laundry appliance is provided including atub positioned within a cabinet, the tub defining a tub outlet and a tubinlet, a laundry basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the laundrybasket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing or drying,a conditioning system configured to heat and remove moisture from airflowing therethrough, a duct system for providing fluid communicationbetween the tub outlet and the conditioning system and between theconditioning system and the tub inlet, the duct system, the conditioningsystem, and the chamber defining a process air flow path, a blower fanoperable to move air through the process air flow path, and a controllerconfigured to receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycleand implement a responsive action to prepare the laundry appliance fortravel.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a laundryappliance is provided. The laundry appliance includes a tub positionedwithin a cabinet, a laundry basket rotatably mounted within the tub, thelaundry basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing ordrying, a conditioning system configured to heat and remove moisturefrom air flowing therethrough, a duct system for providing fluidcommunication between a tub outlet and the conditioning system andbetween the conditioning system and a tub inlet, and a blower fanoperable to move air through the duct system. The method includesreceiving a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle andimplementing a responsive action to prepare the laundry appliance fortravel.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a laundry appliance in accordancewith exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary laundryappliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary heat pump dryerappliance and a conditioning system thereof in accordance with exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operating a laundry appliance inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification anddrawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features orelements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention,one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be usedinterchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are notintended to signify location or importance of the individual components.The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” isgenerally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean“A or B or both”). Approximating language, as used herein throughout thespecification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitativerepresentation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a changein the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a valuemodified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and“substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified.In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond tothe precision of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, theapproximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin.

Referring now to the figures, an exemplary laundry appliance that may beused to implement aspects of the present subject matter will bedescribed. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplaryhorizontal axis washer and condenser dryer combination appliance 100,referred to herein for simplicity as laundry appliance 100. FIG. 2 is aside cross-sectional view of laundry appliance 100. As illustrated,laundry appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, alateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which ismutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system isgenerally defined. Laundry appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 thatextends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical directionV, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 along the lateraldirection, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transversedirection T.

Referring to FIG. 2, a laundry basket 120 is rotatably mounted withincabinet 102 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A.According to the illustrated embodiment, axis of rotation A issubstantially parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g., the transversedirection T), as this exemplary appliance is a front load appliance. Amotor 122, e.g., such as a pancake motor, is in mechanical communicationwith laundry basket 120 to selectively rotate laundry basket 120 (e.g.,during an agitation or a rinse cycle of laundry appliance 100). Motor122 may be mechanically coupled to laundry basket 120 directly orindirectly, e.g., via a pulley and a belt (not pictured). Laundry basket120 is received within a tub 124 that defines a chamber 126 that isconfigured for receipt of articles for washing or drying.

As used herein, the terms “clothing” or “articles” includes but need notbe limited to fabrics, textiles, garments, linens, papers, or otheritems from which the extraction of moisture is desirable. Furthermore,the term “load” or “laundry load” refers to the combination of clothingthat may be washed together and/or dried together in laundry appliance100 (e.g., the combination washer and condenser dryer) and may include amixture of different or similar articles of clothing of different orsimilar types and kinds of fabrics, textiles, garments and linens withina particular laundering process.

The tub 124 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in laundry basket120 within tub 124. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water,detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additiveor combination thereof. Indeed, for simplicity of discussion, theseterms may all be used interchangeably herein without limiting thepresent subject matter to any particular “wash fluid.”

Laundry basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extendinto chamber 126 to assist in agitation, cleaning, and drying ofarticles disposed within chamber 126 during operation of laundryappliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality ofbaffles or ribs 128 extend from basket 120 into chamber 126. In thismanner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in laundrybasket 120 and then allow such articles to tumble back to a bottom ofdrum laundry basket 120 as it rotates. Ribs 128 may be mounted tolaundry basket 120 such that ribs 128 rotate with laundry basket 120during operation of laundry appliance 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, cabinet 102 also includes a frontpanel 130 which defines an opening 132 that permits user access tolaundry basket 120 and tub 124. More specifically, laundry appliance 100includes a door 134 that is positioned over opening 132 and is rotatablymounted to front panel 130. In this manner, door 134 permits selectiveaccess to opening 132 by being movable between an open position (notshown) facilitating access to a tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1)prohibiting access to tub 124. Laundry appliance 100 may further a latchassembly 136 (see FIG. 1) that is mounted to cabinet 102 and/or door 134for selectively locking door 134 in the closed position. Latch assembly136 may be desirable, for example, to ensure only secured access tochamber 126 or to otherwise ensure and verify that door 134 is closedduring certain operating cycles or events.

A window 138 in door 134 permits viewing of laundry basket 120 when door134 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of laundryappliance 100. Door 134 also includes a handle (not shown) that, e.g., auser may pull when opening and closing door 134. Further, although door134 is illustrated as mounted to front panel 130, it should beappreciated that door 134 may be mounted to another side of cabinet 102or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.

Referring again to FIG. 2, laundry basket 120 also defines a pluralityof perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication betweenan interior of basket 120 and tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by tub 124at a bottom of tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 isconfigured for receipt of and generally collects wash fluid duringoperation of laundry appliance 100. For example, during operation oflaundry appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged by gravity from basket120 to sump 142 through plurality of perforations 140.

A drain pump assembly 144 is located beneath tub 124 and is in fluidcommunication with sump 142 for periodically discharging soiled washfluid from laundry appliance 100. Drain pump assembly 144 may generallyinclude a drain pump 146 which is in fluid communication with sump 142and with an external drain 148 through a drain hose 150. During a draincycle, drain pump 146 urges a flow of wash fluid from sump 142, throughdrain hose 150, and to external drain 148. More specifically, drain pump146 includes a motor (not shown) which is energized during a drain cyclesuch that drain pump 146 draws wash fluid from sump 142 and urges itthrough drain hose 150 to external drain 148.

A spout 154 is configured for directing a flow of fluid into tub 124.For example, spout 154 may be in fluid communication with a water supply155 (FIG. 2) in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid)into tub 124. Spout 154 may also be in fluid communication with the sump142. For example, pump assembly 144 may direct wash fluid disposed insump 142 to spout 154 in order to circulate wash fluid in tub 124.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a detergent drawer 156 is slidably mountedwithin front panel 130. Detergent drawer 156 receives a wash additive(e.g., detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquidor powder) and directs the fluid additive to wash chamber 126 duringoperation of laundry appliance 100. According to the illustratedembodiment, detergent drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to spout154 to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of wash additive.

In optional embodiments, a bulk reservoir 157 is disposed within cabinet102 and is configured for receipt of fluid additive or detergent for useduring operation of laundry appliance 100. Moreover, bulk reservoir 157may be sized such that a volume of fluid additive sufficient for aplurality or multitude of wash cycles of laundry appliance 100 (e.g.,five, ten, twenty, fifty, or any other suitable number of wash cycles)may fill bulk reservoir 157. Thus, for example, a user can fill bulkreservoir 157 with fluid additive and operate laundry appliance 100 fora plurality of wash cycles without refilling bulk reservoir 157 withfluid additive. A reservoir pump (not shown) may be configured forselective delivery of the fluid additive from bulk reservoir 157 to tub124.

In addition, a water supply valve or control valve 158 may provide aflow of water from a water supply source (such as a municipal watersupply 155) into detergent dispenser 156 and/or into tub 124. In thismanner, control valve 158 may generally be operable to supply water intodetergent dispenser 156 to generate a wash fluid, e.g., for use in awash cycle, or a flow of fresh water, e.g., for a rinse cycle. It shouldbe appreciated that control valve 158 may be positioned at any othersuitable location within cabinet 102. In addition, although controlvalve 158 is described herein as regulating the flow of “wash fluid,” itshould be appreciated that this term includes, water, detergent, otheradditives, or some mixture thereof.

A control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 iscoupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162collectively form a user interface input for operator selection ofmachine cycles and features. For example, in one embodiment, a display164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other itemsof interest to machine users.

Operation of laundry appliance 100 is controlled by a controller orprocessing device 166 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to controlpanel 160 for user manipulation to select laundry cycles and features.In response to user manipulation of control panel 160, controller 166operates the various components of laundry appliance 100 to executeselected machine cycles and features.

Controller 166 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as ageneral or special purpose microprocessor operable to executeprogramming instructions or micro-control code associated with acleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such asDRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, theprocessor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memorymay be a separate component from the processor or may be includedonboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166 may beconstructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination ofdiscrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches,amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and thelike) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.Control panel 160 and other components of laundry appliance 100 may bein communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines orshared communication busses.

During operation of laundry appliance 100, laundry items are loaded intolaundry basket 120 through opening 132, and washing operation isinitiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. Tub 124is filled with water, detergent, and/or other fluid additives, e.g., viaspout 154 and or detergent drawer 156. One or more valves (e.g., controlvalve 158) can be controlled by laundry appliance 100 to provide forfilling laundry basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount ofarticles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode,once laundry basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents oflaundry basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for washing oflaundry items in laundry basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, tub 124 can bedrained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid totub 124, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected bya user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within laundry basket 120.One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cyclemay be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle inorder to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a finalspin cycle, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds and drainpump assembly 144 may discharge wash fluid from sump 142. After articlesdisposed in laundry basket 120 are cleaned, washed, and/or rinsed, theuser can remove the articles from laundry basket 120, e.g., by openingdoor 134 and reaching into laundry basket 120 through opening 132.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontalaxis laundry appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it willbe understood that horizontal axis laundry appliance 100 is provided byway of example only. Other laundry appliances having differentconfigurations, different appearances, and/or different features mayalso be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., verticalaxis laundry appliances. Indeed, it should be appreciated that aspectsof the present subject matter may further apply to other laundryappliances. In this regard, the same methods as systems and methods asdescribed herein may be used to implement travel cycles for otherappliances, as described in more detail below.

Referring still to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an externalcommunication system 170 will be described according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present subject matter. In general, externalcommunication system 170 is configured for permitting interaction, datatransfer, and other communications with laundry appliance 100. Forexample, this communication may be used to provide and receive operatingparameters, user instructions or notifications, performancecharacteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information forimproved performance of laundry appliance 100.

External communication system 170 permits controller 166 of laundryappliance 100 to communicate with external devices either directly orthrough a network 172. For example, a consumer may use a consumer device174 to communicate directly with laundry appliance 100. For example,consumer devices 174 may be in direct or indirect communication withlaundry appliance 100, e.g., directly through a local area network(LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. or indirectly through network 172.In general, consumer device 174 may be any suitable device for providingand/or receiving communications or commands from a user. In this regard,consumer device 174 may include, for example, a personal phone, atablet, a laptop computer, or another mobile device.

In addition, a remote server 176 may be in communication with laundryappliance 100 and/or consumer device 174 through network 172. In thisregard, for example, remote server 176 may be a cloud-based server 176,and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state,country, etc. In general, communication between the remote server 176and the client devices may be carried via a network interface using anytype of wireless connection, using a variety of communication protocols(e.g. TCP/IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g. HTML, XML),and/or protection schemes (e.g. VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

In general, network 172 can be any type of communication network. Forexample, network 172 can include one or more of a wireless network, awired network, a personal area network, a local area network, a widearea network, the internet, a cellular network, etc. According to anexemplary embodiment, consumer device 174 may communicate with a remoteserver 176 over network 172, such as the internet, to provide userinputs, receive user notifications or instructions, etc. In addition,consumer device 174 and remote server 176 may communicate with laundryappliance 100 to communicate similar information.

External communication system 170 is described herein according to anexemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it shouldbe appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations ofexternal communication system 170 provided herein are used only asexamples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subjectmatter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices maybe used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more laundryappliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented,etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within thescope of the present subject matter.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, a heat pump system, acondenser system, a refrigerant-based air conditioning system, oranother suitable conditioning system 200 for facilitating a dryingprocess within laundry appliance 100 will be described in more detail.As illustrated, conditioning system 200 may be mounted to tub 124 suchthat it is fluidly coupled to chamber 126. More specifically, asillustrated, tub 124 extends between a front portion 202 and a backportion 204, e.g., along the transverse direction T. Laundry basket 120also includes a back or rear wall 206, e.g., at back portion of laundrybasket 120 or proximate back portion 204 of tub 124. Rear wall 206 oflaundry basket 120 may be rotatably supported within cabinet 102 by asuitable bearing and/or may be fixed or rotatable.

Laundry basket 120 is generally cylindrical in shape. Laundry basket 120has an outer cylindrical wall 208 and a front flange or wall thatdefines an opening 210 of laundry basket 120, e.g., at front portion 202of laundry basket 120. As shown, opening 210 generally coincides withopening 132 of front panel 112 of cabinet 102, e.g., to provide useraccess to chamber 126 for loading and unloading of articles into and outof chamber 126 of laundry basket 120.

Conditioning system 200 may generally include a return duct 220 that ismounted to tub 124 for circulating air within chamber 126 to facilitatea drying process. For example, according to the illustrated exemplaryembodiment, return duct 220 is fluid coupled to tub 124 proximate a topof tub 124. Return duct 220 receives heated air that has been heatedand/or dehumidified by a conditioning system 200 and provides the heatedair to laundry basket 120 via one or more holes defined by rear wall 206and/or cylindrical wall 208 of laundry basket 120 (e.g., such asperforations 140).

Specifically, moisture laden, heated air is drawn from laundry basket120 by an air handler, such as a blower fan 222, which generates anegative air pressure within laundry basket 120. As the air passes fromblower fan 222, it enters an intake duct 224 and then is passed intoconditioning system 200. In some embodiments, the conditioning system200 may be or include an electric heating element, e.g., a resistiveheating element, or a gas-powered heating element, e.g., a gas burner.According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, laundry appliance 100is a heat pump dryer appliance and thus conditioning system 200 may beor include a heat pump including a sealed refrigerant circuit, asdescribed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3. Heated air(with a lower moisture content than was received from laundry basket120), exits conditioning system 200 and returns to laundry basket 120 bya return duct 220. After the clothing articles have been dried, they areremoved from the laundry basket 120 via opening 132.

As shown, laundry appliance 100 may further include one or more lintfilters 230 (FIG. 3) to collect lint during drying operations. Themoisture laden heated air passes through intake duct 224 enclosingscreen filter 230, which traps lint particles. More specifically, filter230 may be placed into an air flow path 232 defined by laundry basket120, conditioning system 200, intake duct 224, and return duct 220.Filter 230 may be positioned in the process air flow path 232 and mayinclude a screen, mesh, other material to capture lint in the air flow232. The location of lint filters in laundry appliance 100 as shown inFIG. 3 is provided by way of example only, and other locations may beused as well. According to exemplary embodiments, lint filter 230 isreadily accessible by a user of the appliance. As such, lint filter 230should be manually cleaned by removal of the filter, pulling or wipingaway accumulated lint, and then replacing the filter 230 for subsequentdrying cycles.

According to exemplary embodiments, laundry appliance 100 may facilitatea steam dry process. In this regard, laundry appliance 100 may offer asteam drying cycle, during which steam is injected into chamber 126,e.g., to function similar to a traditional garment steamer to helpremove wrinkles, static, etc. Accordingly, as shown for example in FIG.3, laundry appliance 100 may include a misting nozzle 234 that is influid communication with a water supply 236 (e.g., such as water supply155) in order to direct mist into chamber 126. Laundry appliance 100 mayfurther include a water supply valve or control valve 238 for selectingdischarging the flow of mist into chamber 126. It should be appreciatedthat control valve 238 may be positioned at any other suitable locationwithin cabinet 102.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of laundry appliance 100 and depictsconditioning system 200 in more detail. For this embodiment, laundryappliance 100 is a heat pump dryer appliance and thus conditioningsystem 200 includes a sealed system 250. Sealed system 250 includesvarious operational components, which can be encased or located within amachinery compartment of laundry appliance 100. Generally, theoperational components are operable to execute a vapor compression cyclefor heating process air passing through conditioning system 200. Theoperational components of sealed system 250 include an evaporator 252, acompressor 254, a condenser 256, and one or more expansion devices 258connected in series along a refrigerant circuit or line 260. Refrigerantline 260 is charged with a working fluid, which in this example is arefrigerant. Sealed system 250 depicted in FIG. 3 is provided by way ofexample only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present subject matterfor other configurations of the sealed system to be used as well. Aswill be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed system 250 mayinclude additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator,compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser. As an example, sealedsystem 250 may include two (2) evaporators.

In performing a drying and/or tumbling cycle, one or more laundryarticles LA may be placed within the chamber 126 of laundry basket 120.Hot dry air HDA is supplied to chamber 126 via return duct 220. The hotdry air HDA enters chamber 126 of laundry basket 120 via a tub inlet 264defined by laundry basket 120, e.g., the plurality of holes defined inrear wall 206 and/or cylindrical wall 208 of laundry basket 120 as shownin FIG. 2. The hot dry air HDA provided to chamber 126 causes moisturewithin laundry articles LA to evaporate. Accordingly, the air withinchamber 126 increases in water content and exits chamber 126 as warmmoisture laden air MLA. The warm moisture laden air MLA exits chamber126 through a tub outlet 266 defined by laundry basket 120 and flowsinto intake duct 224.

After exiting chamber 126 of laundry basket 120, the warm moisture ladenair MLA flows downstream to conditioning system 200. Blower fan 222moves the warm moisture laden air MLA, as well as the air moregenerally, through a process air flow path 232 defined by laundry basket120, conditioning system 200, intake duct 224, and return duct 220.Thus, generally, blower fan 222 is operable to move air through or alongthe process air flow path 232. The duct system includes all ducts thatprovide fluid communication (e.g., airflow communication) between tuboutlet 266 and conditioning system 200 and between conditioning system200 and tub inlet 264. Although blower fan 222 is shown positionedbetween laundry basket 120 and conditioning system 200 along intake duct224, it will be appreciated that blower fan 222 can be positioned inother suitable positions or locations along the duct system.

As further depicted in FIG. 3, the warm moisture laden air MLA flowsinto or across evaporator 252 of the conditioning system 200. As themoisture-laden air MLA passes across evaporator 252, the temperature ofthe air is reduced through heat exchange with refrigerant that isvaporized within, for example, coils or tubing of evaporator 252. Thisvaporization process absorbs both the sensible and the latent heat fromthe moisture-laden air MLA—thereby reducing its temperature. As aresult, moisture in the air is condensed and such condensate water maybe drained from conditioning system 200, e.g., using a drain line 262,which is also depicted in FIG. 3.

For this embodiment, a condenser tank or a condensate collection tank270 is in fluid communication with conditioning system 200, e.g., viadrain line 262. Collection tank 270 is operable to receive condensatewater from the process air flowing through conditioning system 200, andmore particularly, condensate water from evaporator 252. A sensor 272operable to detect when water within collection tank 270 has reached apredetermined level. Sensor 272 can be any suitable type of sensor, suchas a float switch as shown in FIG. 3. Sensor 272 can be communicativelycoupled with controller 166, e.g., via a suitable wired or wirelesscommunication link. A drain pump 274 is in fluid communication withcollection tank 270. Drain pump 274 is operable to remove a volume ofwater from collection tank 270 and, for example, discharge the collectedcondensate to an external drain. In some embodiments, drain pump 274 canremove a known or predetermined volume of water from collection tank270. Drain pump 274 can remove the condensate water from collection tank270 and can move or drain the condensate water downstream, e.g., to agray water collection system. Particularly, in some embodiments,controller 166 is configured to receive, from sensor 272, an inputindicating that water within the collection tank has reached thepredetermined level. In response to the input indicating that waterwithin collection tank 270 has reached the predetermined level,controller 166 can cause drain pump 274 to remove the predeterminedvolume of water from collection tank 270.

Air passing over evaporator 252 becomes cooler than when it exitedlaundry basket 120 at tub outlet 266. As shown in FIG. 3, cool air CA(cool relative to hot dry air HDA and moisture laden air MLA) flowingdownstream of evaporator 252 is subsequently caused to flow acrosscondenser 256, e.g., across coils or tubing thereof, which condensesrefrigerant therein. The refrigerant enters condenser 256 in a gaseousstate at a relatively high temperature compared to the cool air CA fromevaporator 252. As a result, heat energy is transferred to the cool airCA at the condenser 256, thereby elevating its temperature and providingwarm dry air HDA for resupply to laundry basket 120 of laundry appliance100. The warm dry air HDA passes over and around laundry articles LAwithin the chamber 126 of the laundry basket 120, such that warmmoisture laden air MLA is generated, as mentioned above. Because the airis recycled through laundry basket 120 and conditioning system 200,laundry appliance 100 can have a much greater efficiency thantraditional clothes dryers can where all of the warm, moisture-laden airMLA is exhausted to the environment.

With respect to sealed system 250, compressor 254 pressurizesrefrigerant (i.e., increases the pressure of the refrigerant) passingtherethrough and generally motivates refrigerant through the sealedrefrigerant circuit or refrigerant line 260 of conditioning system 200.Compressor 254 may be communicatively coupled with controller 166(communication lines not shown in FIG. 3). Refrigerant is supplied fromthe evaporator 252 to compressor 254 in a low pressure gas phase. Thepressurization of the refrigerant within compressor 254 increases thetemperature of the refrigerant. The compressed refrigerant is fed fromcompressor 254 to condenser 256 through refrigerant line 260. As therelatively cool air CA from evaporator 252 flows across condenser 256,the refrigerant is cooled and its temperature is lowered as heat istransferred to the air for supply to chamber 126 of laundry basket 120.

Upon exiting condenser 256, the refrigerant is fed through refrigerantline 260 to expansion device 258. Although only one expansion device 258is shown, such is by way of example only. It is understood that multiplesuch devices may be used. In the illustrated example, expansion device258 is an electronic expansion valve, although a thermal expansion valveor any other suitable expansion device can be used. In additionalembodiments, any other suitable expansion device, such as a capillarytube, may be used as well. Expansion device 258 lowers the pressure ofthe refrigerant and controls the amount of refrigerant that is allowedto enter the evaporator 252. Importantly, the flow of liquid refrigerantinto evaporator 252 is limited by expansion device 258 in order to keepthe pressure low and allow expansion of the refrigerant back into thegas phase in evaporator 252. The evaporation of the refrigerant inevaporator 252 converts the refrigerant from its liquid-dominated phaseto a gas phase while cooling and drying the moisture laden air MLAreceived from chamber 126 of laundry basket 120. The process is repeatedas air is circulated along process air flow path 232 while therefrigerant is cycled through sealed system 250, as described above.

Although laundry appliance 100 is depicted and described herein as aheat pump dryer appliance, the inventive aspects of the presentdisclosure can apply to other types of closed loop airflow circuit dryerappliances. For instance, in other embodiments, laundry appliance 100can be a condenser dryer that utilizes an air-to-air heat exchangerinstead of evaporator 252 and/or an electric heater may be providedinstead of condenser 256. Thus, in such embodiments, the working fluidthat interacts thermally with the process air may be air. In yet otherembodiments, laundry appliance 100 can be a spray tower dryer appliancethat utilizes a water-to-air heat exchanger instead of utilizing asealed refrigerant. Thus, in such embodiments, the working fluid thatinteracts thermally with the process air may be water. Further, in someembodiments, laundry appliance 100 can be a combination washer/dryerappliance having a closed loop airflow circuit along which process airmay flow for drying operations.

Now that the construction of laundry appliance 100 and the configurationof controller 166 according to exemplary embodiments have beenpresented, an exemplary method 300 of operating a laundry appliance willbe described. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplarymethod 300 of operating laundry appliance 100, one skilled in the artwill appreciate that the exemplary method 300 is applicable to theoperation of a variety of other dryer appliances or laundry appliances.In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed hereinmay be performed by controller 166 or a separate, dedicated controller.

As explained briefly above, laundry appliances such as laundry appliance100, may periodically be moved from one location to another. Thesemovements may cause damage to the appliance removal location, theappliance installation location, the vehicle for transporting theappliance, and/or the appliance itself. For example, failure to properlyprepare laundry appliance 100 for movement may result in the appliancedoor swinging open and striking objects, fluids spilling from theirreservoirs, undrained water leaking from the appliance, internalcomponents making undesirable and damaging contact with each other,and/or the undesirable formation of mold, mildew, or other foul smells.Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are directed towardsystems and methods for properly preparing an appliance prior tomovement in a manner that mitigates some or all of the negative eventsdescribed above.

Referring now to FIG. 4, method 300 includes, at step 310, receiving acommand to initiate an appliance travel cycle. For example, continuingthe example from above, laundry appliance 100 may receive a command,e.g., from a user of the appliance, to initiate the appliance travelcycle. It should be appreciated that the command to initiate theappliance travel cycle may be received from any suitable source and inany suitable manner. According to exemplary embodiments, a user mayenter the command using a user interface panel, such as user interfacepanel 160 of laundry appliance 100. In this regard, for example, one ofinput selectors 162 may be a button, a switch, a rotary dial, acapacitive touch button, a touchscreen, or another mechanical or tactileinput that a user may select to initiate the appliance travel cycle.According to still other embodiments, a user may initiate the appliancetravel cycle remotely, e.g., using a consumer device 174 such as a cellphone. In this regard, a user may enter a mobile software application ontheir phone and may enter a command to enter the appliance travel cycleprior to moving laundry appliance 100. Other manners of receiving theappliance travel cycle command are possible and within the scope of thepresent subject matter.

Method 300 may further include, at step 320, implementing a responsiveaction to prepare the laundry appliance for travel. As used herein, theterms “responsive action” and the like are generally intended to referto any adjustments or manipulations of laundry appliance 100 made bylaundry appliance 100 (e.g., as regulated by controller 166), by a user,or by any other interacting force that are intended to prepare theappliance for subsequent movement. Although exemplary responsive actionsare described herein, it should be appreciated that these responsiveactions are only intended to facilitate discussion of the presentsubject matter and are not intended to be limiting in any manner. Otherresponsive actions are possible and within the scope of the presentsubject matter.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, it maybe desirable to ensure that chamber 126 is empty of all clothing orother items prior to transport. Therefore, according to an exemplaryembodiment, implementing the responsive action may include performing aload sensing procedure or algorithm to verify that chamber 126 is empty.Any suitable load sensing or size detection algorithm may beimplemented, such as commonly performed by laundry appliance 100 priorto a wash cycle.

As used herein, the terms “load sensing” and the like are generallyintended to refer to any process for obtaining a weight of the load ofclothes in a laundry appliance or for detecting the presence of anyitems within the chamber. For example, according to an exemplaryembodiment, the load sensing procedure may include rotating the laundrybasket at a predetermined spin speed and monitoring a force, torque, orinertia generated by or at the motor assembly used to rotate the laundrybasket at that predetermined spin speed. Controller 166 may use thisinformation as well as other information to estimate or calculate theload weight or identify the presence of items in the chamber, e.g.,using regression equations, data correlation tables, other suitablealgorithms or computations, etc.

According to exemplary embodiments, load sensing may include monitoringlaundry basket speed (e.g., in revolutions per minute) and the motorpower (e.g., in Watts) over time. In this regard, for example, laundryappliance 100 may further include laundry basket speed sensor (notshown), which may be any suitable sensor or sensors for monitoring themovement of chamber 126 and determining a measured laundry basket speedof laundry basket 120. For example, according to the exemplaryembodiments, the laundry basket speed sensor is a Hall Effect sensor, anaccelerometer, or an optical sensor. Using the laundry basket speedsensor, the load sensing procedure generally includes a sequence of spinoperations and corresponding measurements of the laundry basket speedand motor power. This method may further include maintaining the laundrybasket speed at this predetermined speed while monitoring motor torque,power, back electromotive force (EMF), etc.

If the load sensing procedure results in a determination that chamber126 is empty, the appliance travel cycle may continue with one or moresteps as described below. By contrast, if the load sensing procedureidentifies the presence of one or more items in chamber 126, method 300may include pausing the appliance travel cycle and/or providing a usernotification or instruction to empty chamber 126. This user notificationmay be provided through user interface panel 160, via remote device 174,or in any other suitable manner.

Notably, it may also be desirable to ensure that chamber 126 is cleanand dry. In this regard, rinsing out wash fluid or detergent and dryingall internal components of laundry appliance 100 may be desirable toprevent leaks during transport, as such fluid may result in water damageor hazardous transportation conditions. Therefore, according toexemplary embodiments, step 320 of implementing a responsive action mayinclude performing a drying cycle when the chamber is empty. Notably,this drying cycle may serve to ensure all residual water and moisture isevacuated from chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood of forming mold,mildew, or other foul smells. The responsive action may further includeperforming a timed drain cycle (e.g., using drain pump 274) to empty allwater from condensate collection tank 270. In this manner, most or allof water within laundry appliance 100 may be discharged to an externaldrain or otherwise removed from the appliance.

Notably, prior to transport, it may also be desirable that all watersupply valves are closed and all water supply hoses and/or electricalcables are disconnected in order to prevent leaks or electrical hazards.Thus, implementing the responsive action may further include closing oneor more water supply valves or confirming that all water supply valvesare closed. For example, normally open valves (e.g., valves that areopen by default and require power to close) may be manually closed andnormally closed valves (e.g., valves that are normally closed andrequire power to open) may be closed by removing power. Other steps forconfirming that the water supply valves are closed are possible andwithin the scope of the present subject matter. In this regard, forexample, upon receiving the command to initiate the appliance travelcycle, controller 166 may close water supply valves (e.g., such ascontrol valves 158, 238, by removing power) and confirming the valve isclosed to prevent further supply of water into chamber 126. In addition,the user may be instructed to remove or disconnect all water supplyhoses, e.g., so that the appliance may be freely moved betweenlocations. According to still other embodiments, the user may beinstructed to remove, secure, or otherwise store all electrical cables.

After the chamber 126 is thoroughly cleaned, rinsed, and dried, it maybe desirable to lock door 134 in the closed position. In this regard,for example, the responsive action may be locking door 134 (e.g., usinglatch assembly 136) and verifying that door 134 is in a closed, lockedstate. In this manner, a user will be prevented from adding additionalclothing items or objects into chamber 126 while laundry appliance 100is in the appliance travel cycle. In addition, door 134 cannot be openedwhile laundry appliance 100 is being moved, thereby preventing door 134from swinging freely and impacting objects, resulting in damage toexternal objects or the appliance itself.

Notably, according to exemplary embodiments, implementing the responsiveaction may further include communicating with a user of the appliance,e.g., via user interface panel 160 or a remote device 174, regardingsteps that need to be performed to facilitate the appliance travelcycle. For example, according to exemplary embodiments, implementing theresponsive action may include alerting a user of any service codes,error faults, or other issues that must be addressed with laundryappliance 100 prior to transport or prior to standard operation at thenew location.

Method 300 may further include providing a user instruction to takepreparatory action for facilitating the appliance travel cycle. Forexample, the user instruction may include a notification that water maybe present within the condensate collection tank. As a result, thepreparatory action may include emptying the condensate collection tankof all water or otherwise plugging the tank to prevent leaks duringtransport. In addition, the user instruction may include a reminder toempty or plug and bulk reservoirs or additive storage tanks. Notably,these tank emptying processes may be performed by a user of theappliance or may be automated procedures implemented by an appliancecontroller.

In addition, the preparatory action may include cleaning a lint filter(e.g., lint filter 230), cleaning the condenser coils or othercomponents of sealed system 250 (e.g., by vacuuming the coils), orperforming other mechanical intervention with any components of laundryappliance 100, e.g., to secure such components for transport. As notedabove, the preparatory action may further include disconnecting andstoring all water supply hoses, shutting off any manual valves, removingor securing electrical cables, or taking any other preventative actionto prevent water leaks or electrical hazards during appliance transport.After all preparatory steps and responsive actions have beenimplemented, method 300 may include powering down the dryer applianceprior to movement of laundry appliance 100. In addition, method 300 mayinclude powering down all lights, lamps, etc.

Notably, the user instructions for preparatory action may be received bythe user in any suitable manner. According to exemplary embodiments, auser interface panel, such as user interface panel 160 may provide theuser notification and may provide instructions regarding the preparatoryaction and necessary steps for facilitating appliance transport.According to still other embodiments, these user instructions or noticesmay be provided through a remote consumer device 174, such as a mobilephone. According to exemplary embodiments, once the appliance travelcycle has been performed, laundry appliance 100 may be moved withminimal risk of fluid leaks, damage to the appliance, or damage toexternal objects. According to exemplary embodiments, method 300 mayinclude receiving a command to terminate the appliance travel cycle. Forexample, the appliance travel cycle may be terminated after the laundryappliance 100 has been moved and installed in a new location. Method 300may include instructions or notifications regarding processes forreinstalling and confirming proper installation of the laundry appliance100. Method 300 may further include returning all operating parametersof the laundry appliance 100 to a normal mode, e.g., a standardoperating mode not associated with the appliance travel cycle.

FIG. 4 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes ofillustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, usingthe disclosures provided herein, will understand that the steps of anyof the methods discussed herein can be adapted, rearranged, expanded,omitted, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Moreover, although aspects of method 300 areexplained using laundry appliance 100 as an example, it should beappreciated that these methods may be applied to the operation of anysuitable washer, dryer, or combination laundry appliance.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A laundry appliance comprising: a tub positionedwithin a cabinet, the tub defining a tub outlet and a tub inlet; alaundry basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the laundry basketdefining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing or drying; aconditioning system configured to heat and remove moisture from airflowing therethrough; a duct system for providing fluid communicationbetween the tub outlet and the conditioning system and between theconditioning system and the tub inlet, the duct system, the conditioningsystem, and the chamber defining a process air flow path; a blower fanoperable to move air through the process air flow path; and a controllerconfigured to: receive a command to initiate an appliance travel cycle;and implement a responsive action to prepare the laundry appliance fortravel.
 2. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing theresponsive action comprises: performing a load sensing algorithm toverify that the chamber is empty.
 3. The laundry appliance of claim 1,wherein implementing the responsive action comprises: performing atleast one of a rinsing cycle or drying cycle when the chamber is empty.4. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsiveaction comprises: verifying that a lint filter and a condensatecollection tank are installed.
 5. The laundry appliance of claim 1,further comprising: one or more water supply valves, and whereinimplementing the responsive action comprises closing the one or morewater supply valves or confirming that the one or more water supplyvalve are closed.
 6. The laundry appliance of claim 1, furthercomprising: a door pivotally mounted to the cabinet for providingselective access to the chamber; and a door lock for selectively lockingthe door in a closed position, wherein implementing the responsiveaction comprises verifying the door is closed and locked.
 7. The laundryappliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsive actioncomprises: alerting a user of any service codes or error faults.
 8. Thelaundry appliance of claim 1, wherein implementing the responsive actioncomprises: providing a user instruction to take a preparatory action fortravel.
 9. The laundry appliance of claim 8, further comprising: acollection tank in fluid communication with the conditioning system forreceiving condensate water from process air flowing through theconditioning system, wherein the preparatory action comprises emptyingthe collection tank.
 10. The laundry appliance of claim 8, wherein thepreparatory action comprises cleaning a lint filter or vacuumingcomponents of the conditioning system.
 11. The laundry appliance ofclaim 8, wherein the preparatory action comprises disconnecting watersupply hoses and electrical cables.
 12. The laundry appliance of claim8, further comprising: a user interface panel positioned on the cabinetfor facilitating user interaction with the laundry appliance, whereinthe user instruction is provided through the user interface panel. 13.The laundry appliance of claim 12, wherein the command to initiate theappliance travel cycle is received from a user through the userinterface panel.
 14. The laundry appliance of claim 8, wherein thecontroller is in operative communication with a remote device through anexternal network, and wherein the user instruction is provided throughthe remote device.
 15. The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is further configured to: determine that the responsiveaction has been implemented; and power down the laundry appliance. 16.The laundry appliance of claim 1, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to: receive a command to terminate the appliance travelcycle; and return operating parameters of the laundry appliance to anormal mode.
 17. A method of operating a laundry appliance, the laundryappliance comprising a tub positioned within a cabinet, a laundry basketrotatably mounted within the tub, the laundry basket defining a chamberfor receipt of articles for washing or drying, a conditioning systemconfigured to heat and remove moisture from air flowing therethrough, aduct system for providing fluid communication between a tub outlet andthe conditioning system and between the conditioning system and a tubinlet, and a blower fan operable to move air through the duct system,the method comprising: receiving a command to initiate an appliancetravel cycle; and implementing a responsive action to prepare thelaundry appliance for travel.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinimplementing the responsive action comprises at least one of performinga load sensing algorithm to verify that the chamber is empty orperforming at least one of a rinsing cycle or drying cycle when thechamber is empty.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein implementing theresponsive action comprises at least one of closing one or more watersupply valves, confirming that the one or more water supply valves areclosed, or verifying a door is closed and locked.
 20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein implementing the responsive action comprises at leastone of alerting a user of any service codes or error faults or providinga user instruction to take a preparatory action for travel.